Barcelona, October 3 (RHC)-- Catalans turned up in large numbers for a planned strike to protest violence meted out to voters in the recently concluded state-banned independence referendum. 

Thousands of people gathered in front of police stations across Barcelona and Reus to protest violence and mistreatment during the voting on Sunday.  According to union sources, at least 24 roadblocks were reported across Catalonia, while Barcelona port came to a halt. 

Over 40 unions and Catalonian associations called for a general strike across the region following the national police's reaction to Sunday's vote. 

A joint statement from General Union of Workers (UGT), Workers' Commissions (CCOO), Catalan National Assembly (ANC) and 41 other organizations called for the work stoppage due to "the grave violation of rights and freedoms." 

"We call all society, on employers' organizations, business owners, unions, workers, self-employed workers, institutions and all the citizens of Catalonia to stop the 'country' on Tuesday, October 3," the statement read. 

The Catalonian government approved a 'go-slow,' allowing public transport services to operate at 25 percent capacity during morning and evening rush hour. 

Schools including public universities and popular tourist attractions -- contemporary art museum, football club FC Barcelona and the Sagrada Familia -- were closed on Tuesday.  Public transportation services were also disrupted, limiting traffic on major thoroughfares. 

Aena, a management company responsible for Catalonia's airports said they would be offering minimal services over a 24-hour period, according to a press release.  

Catalonia's leader said 90 percent of voters backed independence from Spain.